I am from Somerset, MA and graduated from URI in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology. After spending two years in Americorps teaching K-12 environmental education I decided to return to school. Currently, I am in the Master's and Teaching Certificate Program for secondary education in science with a middle school level endorsement. When I am not doing schoolwork I love to be outdoors participating in any kind of activity. A few of the activities include kickball, dodgeball, hiking, swimming, exploring new areas, and playing most sports. A few hobbies I enjoy are taking pictures of nature and wildlife along with collecting dead bugs, plants, and bones to use in the classroom.
Where did you get your genes from? MS Genetics Unit
The study of genetics is the fundamental cornerstone of life science. It is genetics that introduces students to the structure and function of DNA, and its central role as the blueprint for all life as we know it. With knowledge on DNA, students can progress to the examination of DNA structures and how they effect processes of life, govern characteristic traits, and can be tracked to predict the futures of individual organisms. In a world where genetically modified organisms and food is the norm, and sequencing technology can be made available to the masses for $100, future citizens must be fully aware of the mechanisms and science behind DNA, genes, and inheritance.
The purpose of this unit is to build a foundation for students to understand the abstract concept of genetics through multiple topics and pedagogy techniques. Through the use of labs, technology, and models students will be able to see plant and animal life cycles, DNA, genes and chromosomes. Understanding these introductory topics is crucial to move further when students will need to use this prior knowledge towards understanding dominant versus recessive traits, acquired versus inherited traits, punnett squares and pedigrees. Pedagogy techniques include using graphic organizers when reading, cooperative groups, literacy groups and direct instruction. Students will be assessed formatively throughout the unit via homework, exit tickets, informal lab reports, graphic organizers, puzzles, research and classwork. A unit test will accompany the unit as a summative assessment. It will include nine multiple choice questions (one point each) and nine short answer questions (two points each) for 27 points total. By the end of the unit students should have a firm understanding of genetics and how it relates to them in everyday life.
Principal: Dr. Andrew Anderson Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: Peter McFarland Office secretary(s): Amy Skadberg, Caron Martin Custodian(s): Who do you call when sick or dying? Janet Johnson What are the phone numbers?: 401-247-3160 Cooperating Teacher: Anthony Borgueta
B. Second Student Teaching Placement
School: The Greene School
Address: 94 John Potter Road, West Greenwich, RI 02817
Principal: Ms. Deanna Duncan Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: Brendan Haggerty Office secretary(s): Monika Nixon Custodian(s): Who do you call when sick or dying? Tracy Juliano What are the phone numbers? 401-397-8600 Cooperating Teacher: Brendan Haggerty
I am from Somerset, MA and graduated from URI in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology. After spending two years in Americorps teaching K-12 environmental education I decided to return to school. Currently, I am in the Master's and Teaching Certificate Program for secondary education in science with a middle school level endorsement. When I am not doing schoolwork I love to be outdoors participating in any kind of activity. A few of the activities include kickball, dodgeball, hiking, swimming, exploring new areas, and playing most sports. A few hobbies I enjoy are taking pictures of nature and wildlife along with collecting dead bugs, plants, and bones to use in the classroom.
Teaching Inspiration
Teaching Philosophy
Unit Plan
Where did you get your genes from? MS Genetics Unit
The study of genetics is the fundamental cornerstone of life science. It is genetics that introduces students to the structure and function of DNA, and its central role as the blueprint for all life as we know it. With knowledge on DNA, students can progress to the examination of DNA structures and how they effect processes of life, govern characteristic traits, and can be tracked to predict the futures of individual organisms. In a world where genetically modified organisms and food is the norm, and sequencing technology can be made available to the masses for $100, future citizens must be fully aware of the mechanisms and science behind DNA, genes, and inheritance.
The purpose of this unit is to build a foundation for students to understand the abstract concept of genetics through multiple topics and pedagogy techniques. Through the use of labs, technology, and models students will be able to see plant and animal life cycles, DNA, genes and chromosomes. Understanding these introductory topics is crucial to move further when students will need to use this prior knowledge towards understanding dominant versus recessive traits, acquired versus inherited traits, punnett squares and pedigrees. Pedagogy techniques include using graphic organizers when reading, cooperative groups, literacy groups and direct instruction. Students will be assessed formatively throughout the unit via homework, exit tickets, informal lab reports, graphic organizers, puzzles, research and classwork. A unit test will accompany the unit as a summative assessment. It will include nine multiple choice questions (one point each) and nine short answer questions (two points each) for 27 points total. By the end of the unit students should have a firm understanding of genetics and how it relates to them in everyday life.
Student Teaching Information
A. First Student Teaching Placement
School: Barrington Middle School
Address: 261 Middle Highway, Barrington, RI 02806
Principal: Dr. Andrew Anderson
Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: Peter McFarland
Office secretary(s): Amy Skadberg, Caron Martin
Custodian(s):
Who do you call when sick or dying? Janet Johnson
What are the phone numbers?: 401-247-3160
Cooperating Teacher: Anthony Borgueta
B. Second Student Teaching Placement
School: The Greene School
Address: 94 John Potter Road, West Greenwich, RI 02817
Principal: Ms. Deanna Duncan
Sci Dept Head/MS Team Leader: Brendan Haggerty
Office secretary(s): Monika Nixon
Custodian(s):
Who do you call when sick or dying? Tracy Juliano
What are the phone numbers? 401-397-8600
Cooperating Teacher: Brendan Haggerty
Observations and Reflections
1. Lesson Opening Strategies
2. Observing Student Actions
3. Teaching Style
4. Questioning Practices
5. Lesson Closing Strategies
6. Sharing Lesson Objectives